If it’s May, it must be Whisky Month and in this Year of Food & Drink Scotland 2015, there is a lot going on.

The Spirit of Speyside festival has just finished but there are plenty of other whisky-themed events and festivals taking place over the next few weeks.

Not least is this 5pm offer which means that diners at participating restaurants can enjoy a free dram of Whyte and Mackay with their meal.

We also liked the What kind of whisky are you? site which asks a handful of questions and then tells you what sort of dram you most resemble.

Apparently, the 5pm Dining blog is a Macallan 15-year-old.

Aw shucks. Flattery always works with us.

Unconventional

Anyway, we’re looking forward to the fourth Whisky Stramash which takes place in Surgeons’ Hall, Edinburgh on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May.

The main thrust of the Whisky Stramash is to showcase whisky in a different way. Conventional whisky events can be rather reverent and staid.

At the Whisky Stramash, the drink is respected but celebrated in fun, unconventional ways.

Billed as an experience full of mystery, entertainment, comicality and madcap pioneering, the popular two-day experiential event has a host of impressive brands lined up to showcase and sample their whiskies in weird and wonderful ways during the Saturday and Sunday sessions.

Moreover, for the first time, there will also be a Friday night event held in a secret location. Cocktails and a headline act are promised.

Scott Martin, co-founder of Whisky Stramash, commented:

‘Whisky Stramash will be back this year with more intrigue than ever and after four fantastic years we’re excited to be adding something completely different with a stand-alone bash on the Friday evening.

‘The night will be completely separate from the Whisky Stramash and guests can expect live music, cocktails galore and generally good fun with a twist.’

World of whisky

The Saturday and Sunday sessions will see a host of big players in the whisky world, as well as smaller independents, treat visitors to their various bottlings.

Brands returning this year include Bunnahabhain, Ledaig, Tobermory, Deanston, Glen Moray, Aberfeldy, AD Rattray and Douglas Laing with Big Peat and Scally Wag.

Scott added, ‘We’re also pleased to announce the debuts of Craigellachie and Aultmore this year, a major coup as they don’t get very many outings.’

Tickets for the Whisky Stramash are available to purchase now from www.ticketweb.co.uk with details and tickets for the Friday night event due for release soon.

Whisky Stramash sessions:

Saturday 23th of May 2015 12pm-4pm

Saturday 23th of May 2015 5pm-9pm

Sunday 24th of May 2015 1pm-5pm

Ticket price: £26